Kindrum

AS WE TRAVEL ALONG MULROY BAY WE COME TO THE QUIET LITTLE HAMLET OF KINDRUM.

Here in Kindrum we find the main employer in the area, Marine Harvest Irl, previously known as Fanad Fisheries. The company is in operation in Mulroy Bay and Lough Swilly since 1979.Today Marine Harvest in Kindrum is Ireland’s main hatchery and is the largest producer of farmed Atlantic Salmon.

Further along the road is “Johnstons of Kindrum” which operated as a busy Corn and Flax mill around 1900 and employed many locals. The outflow of water from Kindrum Lake was used to power the Mills. Today the buildings can still be seen although the Mill has been closed for a number of years.
Close by is “O’Callaghans of Kindrum”which once was a busy rural pub and shop, next door was the Post Office which was also run by the O’Callaghans. Sadly these buildings are no longer in use.

As you travel in the direction of the Mulroy Bridge and reach Kindrum Lake you will see a Celtic Cross which was erected in 1960 to the memory of the local men involved in the killing of the 3rd Earl of Leitrim on the 3rd April 1878. On that fateful morning William Sydney Clements was murdered at Cratlach Wood. Two employees travelling with him were also killed – they were John Makim and Charles Buchanan. While many people celebrated the murder of the 3rd Earl a Catholic priest announced that –“murder is murder” and cannot be justified no matter what the circumstances.
Kindrum Lake is one of the most popular Angling waters in the Fanad Peninsula. The lake has a surface area of 67ha and a maximum depth of 15 meters. The four main types of fish found in the lake are – Brown Trout, Char, 3-spined Stickleback and Eel. Boats are available from the Fanad Angling Club for anyone wanting to fish in these waters.

Driving along towards Fanad Head you come to Fanavolty Chapel overlooking Kindrum Lake. The Parish Hall and Graveyard is adjacent. The Chapel was built circa 1840 and within the grounds is contained the “Little Sheltered Mass Rock”. This is well worth a visit.

As you move on past Fanavolty Chapel take the next right turn and follow the winding road (4kms) to the top of Murrin Hill, take some timeout to enjoy the splendid scenery and beauty which is second to none from the top of this hill. You can see Lough Swilly, Mulroy Bay, Inishowen Peninsula and much of West Donegal. If you are lucky to get a clear day it is possible to see the coast of Scotland.

As you descend from Murrin Hill turn right and drive for 1.5kms where you will come to Ballyhiernan Bay. A fabulous magnificent beach with the Wild Atlantic waters lapping its shore. If you feel really energetic you could book a surf lesson with Adventure One Surf School or simply enjoy a walk on the beach and relax.

1. Marine Harvest Fish Farm
2. Johnstone’s of Kindrum
3. O’Callaghan’s
4. Monument & Lake
5. Fanavolty Chapel
6. Murrin Hill
7. Eelburn